Assistant Counsel - Office of General Counsel

Are you a transactional attorney that specializes in information technology (IT) and human resources (HR) contracting? If so, consider joining the Office of Administration (OA), Office of Chief Counsel. We offer a unique and fulfilling career opportunity where you can make a significant impact on the people of Pennsylvania. Our employees enjoy a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development. This role not only allows you to contribute to the public good, but also provides ample opportunities to hone your legal skills in a collaborative setting.  

In addition to meaningful work, we offer: 

• Competitive benefits package: top-tier health care options, retirement plans, and generous paid time off
• Work-life balance: excel in your career while having the time to enjoy your personal life
• Continuous learning: supportive culture that fosters ongoing professional development and advancement

The ideal candidate should possess an understanding of information technology (IT) contracting and demonstrate proficiency in advising on data security and privacy matters while aligning with the goals and needs of the Office of Administration (OA). The ability to provide timely advice in a collegial and collaborative manner is crucial in this role. This attorney will be expected to leverage their knowledge in areas like software licensing, online or cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS), and telecommunications matters to navigate complex legal landscapes.  

The successful candidate should have a strong work ethic, excellent written communications skills, including attention to detail, and oral communications capabilities, including the ability to communicate in-person and remotely (phone and video conference). Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster trust and respect and to create friendly and collaborative internal working relationships with internal Commonwealth clients are a must. The selected candidate will be required to work independently, with supervisory oversight, but will also have to work collaboratively as a team member. Responsibilities include:

• Providing legal advice and guidance to IT and human resources (HR) regarding solicitations, request for proposals (RFP), request for information (RFIs), and other relevant procurement vehicles
• Assisting the office in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements related to procurements, intergovernmental agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOU), and other legal documents with a particular focus on IT and HR matters
• Conducting form and legality review on contracts, grants, and agreements for IT and HR
• Providing legal advice on data security and privacy matters
• Reviewing proposed legislation affecting OA as well as executive orders, management directives, and IT policies
• Reviewing and responding to record requests and subpoenas, including right-to-know law (RTKL) requests

Work Schedule and Additional Information: 

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. Schedule may be flexible.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
• Note: A writing sample (no more than 10 pages) may be requested if scheduled for an interview.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; or
• Completion of all preparatory steps and application to become a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Post Employment Requirement:

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• You must possess demonstrated ability to analyze complex concepts and succinctly provide accurate legal advice. 
• You must possess demonstrated ability to think critically and analytically.
• You must possess demonstrated academic excellence.
• You must possess demonstrated ability to effectively draft contracts, memoranda of understanding, and other transactional documents.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a cover letter and resume.
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans: 

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.